Simmons gets a year forn threat to state worker

COLDWATER — Katina Simmons is off probation and will serve one year in the Branch County Jail for her child abuse conviction after a threat to a Child Protective Service (CPS) worker.

Simmons, 39, admitted the violation and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of disturbing a public worker. Branch County District Judge Brent Weigle sentenced her to 90 days on that misdemeanor and ordered her to get mental health treatment.

In revoking her felony probation Branch County Circuit Judge Bill O’Grady gave her credit for 153 days she has already served.

She was sentenced in December for third degree child abuse after police found 9-year old son who had a bruised face last summer.

Simmons got into trouble last month again when she was transported to Probate Court for a hearing involving custody of the child.

After testimony at the hearing she became upset by the CPS worker. She told Branch County Sheriff Office (BCSO) Rick Filmore if she saw the CPS worker on the street "I would kill her." She denied the threat was serious but the worker was concerned.